Letter from the Superintendent of Schools
Welcome to theBeresfordSchool District! We are pleased to serve 630 students in the Beresford community and surrounding area. Beresford has a strong tradition of being a progressive school district and community where a commitment to quality definitely exists. The Beresford School District has a rich history of high academic achievement, strong co-curricular programs, and community support for education.
The Beresford School District is committed to 21st century teaching and learning practices. Excellence in education requires that technology be seamlessly integrated throughout the educational program. Increasing access to technology is essential for the future and our district continues to provide the most up-to-date 21st century tools for our students and teachers. These tools, along with 21st century teaching and learning, empower students to maximize their full learning potential by promoting communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills, as well as preparing them for post-high education and the global workplace.
Beresford High School was named a “distinguished school” in 2005 and 2010. In 2010, Beresford High School was one of thirteen high schools in South Dakota to receive this honor. Beresford Middle School was named a “distinguished school” in 2005 and 2008.
In 2008, the South Dakota Department of Education recognized the Beresford School District as a “Distinguished School District.” The Beresford School District was one of eighteen school districts and the largest school district in South Dakota to receive this honor in 2008! The SD DOE has been naming “distinguished schools and districts” for the past eight years, 2004-2011.
Our district’s mission statement, “dedicated to enhancing the learning process that starts now and lasts a lifetime,” is a goal that we take very seriously. The philosophy of theBeresfordSchool Districtis to provide a safe and positive environment in which all children can succeed. Our children are the reason for our school’s existence and worthy of our best efforts.
We believe it is essential to provide all students academic, physical, and social/emotional assistance and support. This learning environment will allow our students to acquire knowledge and skills to enhance their growth and development as learners. All students are encouraged to participate in school and community activities. Our community and its families are important educational resources. Together we will be a strong force in character development of our youth through positive role modeling. We provide educational opportunities and experiences for students to help them become responsible citizens.
The North Central Association Commission on School Accreditation and School Improvement recognizes theBeresfordSchool Districtfor the quality of educational experiences we provide our students and has fully accredited our school since 1932. We offer programs to meet the diverse needs of our students, including our regular education, special needs, and our gifted and talented students. Our students have opportunities to enroll in Advanced Placement and dual credit courses where they can earn high school and college credit. BeresfordSchool Districtstudents continue to meet adequate yearly progress and perform above the state and national averages on state and national achievement tests.
We offer a wide range of academic and co-curricular programs to help our students succeed and enjoy school. All students are encouraged to get involved in co-curricular activities, as they have a positive influence on our academic programs. Our elementary school offers opportunities in the fine arts and coordinates through the Beresford Community Education for sports and recreation, the arts, and other activities. Our middle school and high school offer co-curricular opportunities in the fine arts—band, vocal, and drama; journalism—school paper and annual; FFA; FCCLA; quiz bowl; student government; cheerleading; athletics—basketball, cross-country, football, golf, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling; and other student organizations.
The quality of our programs is directly related to dedicated people who give a maximum effort for the children of our district. We promote professional growth and life-long learning for our staff. All of our staff members understand that our students, parents, and community are the most important people we serve. We believe we must continue to make connections and build relationships with our students, parents, and community.
Please feel free to stop by for a visit, call us, or visit our school website. We truly believe we have something to offer every student!
Respectfully,
Brian Field, Superintendent
BeresfordSchool District
